Ksenia MONKO / Kirill KHALIAVIN RUS - the favorite couple to win the title. Oh, oh..there are some mixed-up with their music. The first note of music starts and abruptly stops..twice in a raw...then Kirill went to the judges.

I wonder why M/K did not move up to the senior circuit this season. They are 19 & 20; older then both I/K & the Shibs, both of whom are 16 & 19 respectively. Their lifts are so much more complex and twizzles are also miles better than the rest. On the other hand, they do not skate particularly fast either.
Of course they move up to the frist place with the first 60s of the day: Ksenia MONKO / Kirill KHALIAVIN RUS 60.62 32.57 28.05 7.07 6.82 7.25 7.29 6.71 0.00
Stylistically I like Ekaterina PUSHKASH Jonathan GUERREIRO (RUS) better. They skated with more speed than with M/K; however, they noticeably slowed down towards the end. Need more basic strengh training? This is only SD. And they are the 2nd; 2 Q Ekaterina PUSHKASH / Jonathan GUERREIRO RUS 55.76 28.70 27.06 6.82 6.46 6.89 6.75 6.86 0.00

CARA, what do you think about ZAHORSKI/MIART?
Their PCS and KOSIGINA/MOROSHKIN's are nearly the same. But I remember watched their skate (FD), they moved so awkwardly...

To tell you the truth, my live streaming kept buffering, so I missed large chunk of their performance. All I can tell you is that I liked their lift and they presented themselves well. Let's face it, they are a stunning couple with his exotic good look and her striking red hair. They are very attractive, and it helps. Beyond that, sorry I would have to see thier performance again.